Himalayan Wonders of Bhutan – 10 Nights & 11 Days

Flying into Paro, Bhutan, is an awe-inspiring experience that sets the stage for your journey. As you approach Paro Airport, the aircraft weaves through the majestic Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. The flight path takes you over rugged landscapes and traditional Bhutanese villages, culminating in a dramatic descent into the narrow Paro Valley. The approach is renowned for its stunning scenery, where every moment feels like a glimpse into a hidden world of natural beauty and serenity, making your arrival in Bhutan a truly unforgettable experience.

The “Himalayan Wonders of Bhutan” is an immersive 10-night, 11-day tour starting from Paro Airport, designed to showcase the diverse beauty and cultural richness of Bhutan. Upon arrival, you’ll begin by exploring Paro, visiting the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which clings to a cliffside, and the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong. From Paro, the journey continues to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital, where you’ll see landmarks such as the Buddha Dordenma Statue and Tashichho Dzong. The tour then leads to the serene Phobjikha Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes and the migratory black-necked cranes.

The adventure proceeds with a visit to the historic Trongsa Dzong and the culturally rich Bumthang Valley, where you’ll delve into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage through ancient temples and monasteries. In Punakha, marvel at the stunning Punakha Dzong and its lush surroundings. Additional highlights include a trip to the high-altitude Chelela Pass for breathtaking Himalayan views and the tranquil Haa Valley, celebrated for its traditional Bhutanese charm and natural beauty. This well-rounded itinerary ensures a deep and enriching experience of Bhutan’s Himalayan wonders before concluding with your return to Paro.

Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)

Arrive Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park…

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 2: Local sightseeing in Thimphu

After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan. Explore the Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum..

Late in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion.

Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar…

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)

Day 3 : Thimphu to Phubjikha (4 Hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Wangdue across Dochu La Pass. Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Dochula is a scenic location with chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate this highest point on the road.

On reaching Wangdue Phodrang drive further to Gangtey valley. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed.

Visit here the Gangtey Gompa : Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.

Then explore the fascainting Phobjikha Valley. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.

Also visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Phubjikha. (Altitude 3000m)

Day 04: Phubjikha to Bumthang (160km, approx 5 hrs drive)

After an early breakfast drive to Bumthang locally known as a “mini Switzerland” due to its unique landscapes and beauty like Switzerlan. Drive to Bumthang over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.). On arrival, check in to the hotel, refresh and visit Bumthang Swiss Cheese– The art of Cheese making in Bumthang has taken into consideration the details and craftsmanship in producing high-quality Swiss Cheese at par with Switzerland itself also visit Red Panda Brewery next door which produces pale straw-coloured Hefeweizen freshly brewed beer.

Evening time at leisure…

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 05: Full day Bumthang Local Sightseeing

After breakfast visit Jakar Dzong (Castle of White Bird). Then visit Lamey Goemba, Jambay Lhakhang and Chakhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle). After lunch visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message) and to the Membarstho (“The burning Lake”)..

While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory. In the evening visit a

local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers…

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 06: Day Excrusion to Tang valley (2800m) or Ura valley (2850m)

Today we take a visit to the Tang Valley . It is an eleven Km drive and arrives at the Pema Tekchok Choeling Shedra, a large nunnery where stop for the view and then carry onto Ta Rimochen Lhakhang and pay a visit to the temple. Then we come down to the village of Ogyen and see how the people live there, from where we return back to Bumthang.

Today, we take a drive to the village of Ura in Bhutan which is in close proximity to Bumthang. Its main attraction is the Ura Dzongs and the medieval atmosphere that prevails in the villages there. Women especially still wear sheep’s clothing. After confronting the sights and sounds of Ura, we drive back to Bumthang.

Overnight stay at Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 07: Bumthang – Punakha / Wangdue (220km, approx 9 hrs drive).

After breakfast drive back to Punakha.On your way visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong (An ancient watch tower) drive further and Enroute to visit Chendebji Chorten (built in the style of the great Bodhanath Chorten of Nepal).

On arrival check into your hotel and if time permits visit Punakha Dzong and Bhutan longest suspension Bridge. Rest of the evening refresh and relax…

Overnight stay will be at Home stay in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 8: Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro and after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..

Day 9: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).

After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After the Hike drive back to the hotel refresh and relax.

Evening an exploratory walk around the market area and hang out in some renown coffee shops…

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 10: Day Excrusion to Chelela Pass (75km round trip, approx 4 hrs)

After breakfast, driving excursion to Chelela pass.

Chelela (pass), at an elevation of 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About 2 hrs of drive along a thickly-forested road, is a botanical paradise.

On your way stop to view the Dzongdrakha Goempa. Often called as mini Takstang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley.

Later in the day visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.

Evening time at leisure to cherish your last night stay in Bhutan…..

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 11: “Final Adieu” – Farewell & Departure

After the hearty breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport enjoying the and there your team will bid you the final adieu with an undying hope of your visiting our country again to explore the unvisited parts and regions with many more adventures together. We bid you farewell with picturesque memories of Bhutan.

For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.

If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.

We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Day 1: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 2: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 3: Phubjikha – Overnight stay at Phubjikha Resorts

Day 4: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 5: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 6: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 7: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling

Day 8: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

Day 9: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

Day 10: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

All Transportation including airport Transfer
All Accommodation – Twin/Dbl sharing Rooms
All Breakfast & Dinner
Govt. SDF of US$ 100 PPN
One time visa fee of US$ 40
All Sightseeing as per Itinerary
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
All Visa Formalities
1 Bottle Each Mineral Water daily
1 Tourist Sim-Card
All Internal Taxes
No Hidden Cost

Those Services not mentioned under Inclusions
Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, Travel Insurance
Entry Fees to museums and Monuments
Lunch
Air tickets

Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group.

N/A

Peak Season: March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December

The cancellation before 30 days will lead to 50% of the total amount cancellation.
The cancellation after 30 days will lead to 100% of the Total amount cancellation.
Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.

Lean Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December

The Cancellation before 30 days will lead to Zero cancellation of the total amount.
The cancellation after 30 days but before 15 days will lead to 25% cancellation of the total amount.
The cancellation after 15 days to 7 Days will lead to 50% cancellation of the total amount.
The cancellation 7 Days will lead to 100% cancellation of the total amount.
Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.

Refund Policy:

In case if eligible for any refund occurring due to cancellation or any other reasons, the same will be processed within 7-14 working/ business days in the mode deemed suitable or appropriate at the discretion of both the parties.

Postponement Policy: –

Postponement of the tour will be allowed once and will be Valid for 6 Months.
If the trip is postponed and not cancelled, there will not be any refund under any circumstances irrespective of any reason/cause after postponement of the trip.
This rescheduling is allowed only once, hence choose your new dates wisely and inform us at least 30 Days in advance from your new dates. Further, reschedules may or may not have some additional charges and that will be communicated in real-time. Execution of the rescheduled trip will depend upon the availability of all the inclusions as per the original itinerary. We advise you to discuss well in advance before making any flight or train booking.
The inclusions as per the original itinerary may or may not remain same, all depends upon the availability at the time of rescheduled dates.
The total package cost may or may not change at the time of rescheduled dates. The increase or decrease in the prices will depend upon the current prices of all the inclusions at the time of new booking.
Any force majeure situation, addition/amendment in the package may or may not attract additional charges, the additional charges shall be borne by the traveler.
Payment Schedule will be at AD Tours & Travels discretion and has the right to forfeit the payment for not receiving payment on time.
Change of Destination is not allowed under any circumstances. Still the final decision will be taken on the basis of situation.

Booking policy:

For booking this package, you need to provide verbal consent on the acceptance of the offered package including all the inclusions and exclusions as mentioned in the quote. Such acceptance will be received on the quote as a whole including each and every minute details as a part of it.
On the receipt of the same, the concerned trip advisor in contact with you will raise the invoice specifying the number of installments, installment amount and their due dates as agreed.
On the receipt of the 1st installment, the booking will stand confirmed untill and unless any changes are made thereafter.
The Visa/Permit, hotel and flight bookings will be thereafter initiated and the vouchers for the respective services will be updated for you within 3-4 working/ business days. Though the cab details will be updated 1-2 days piror before the trip.

Payment Policy:

The payment will be received as per the agreed number of installments, amount and due dates.
On non-receipt of the payment of the 1st installment as scheduled until and unless any prior notice, the booking remains unconfirmed. In such cases, no booking procedures will be initiated at our end.
Special Notice has to be put forth in a proper manner in case of any delays in making the payment of any installment so that a next due date can be planned for you.